As we approach the end of 2024, it's disheartening to reflect on the many lives lost and injuries suffered on our roads this year. Thousands of Victorians have been affected, facing the lasting pain of road trauma.
With the festive season around the corner and people planning trips away, we encourage you all to drive in a way that keeps you and your passengers safe and shows respect and care for other road users. Stay focused, avoid distractions and plan ahead to prevent fatigue and drowsiness.
Despite the challenges, Amber Community has remained committed to reducing the impact of road trauma through our counselling and support programs and by raising awareness through education to help prevent future incidents. None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of our volunteers, staff, partners, and sponsors.
On 16 October, we held our Annual General Meeting. Yet again, as we do every year, it was a special occasion as we were privileged to induct Richard Watkins and Rosie Johnston as Honorary Life Members. This annual gathering allows us to express our deep appreciation for our dedicated volunteers and recognise their invaluable work within our community.
We said farewell to Mark Musgrave, Deputy Chair, who has given up his time and shared his expertise for nine years. Mark has been an enormous asset to the organisation, and we will miss him.
We look forward to holding our Time for Remembering ceremony on Sunday 24 November, at Queen's Hall, and for those people who can't attend, the ceremony will be live streamed. You can find out more and register here.
Until next time, I hope you stay well and take care on the roads.
Warm regards, Bernadette Nugent
CEO
Time for Remembering
Our annual Time for Remembering ceremony is fast approaching and will be held at Queen's Hall, Parliament House Melbourne and online on Sunday 24 November, starting at 12-noon.
It is a very precious time when people can come together to remember loved ones lost or injured on our roads. The event committee members, including the counselling team, have put in a lot of time and effort to ensure a thoughtful and well-organised event, and we are honoured to host the ceremony.
The event is free, but you must register to receive the Zoom link or to attend Queen's Hall, Parliament House.
Art therapy at Amber Community is facilitated by a professional art therapist and supported by the counselling team. No artistic skill is required to join the group. Group members are encouraged to participate to the best of their ability to obtain maximum benefit.
The group will run online in 2025 and be held at regular intervals throughout the year, with each program consisting of five x fortnightly 1.5-hour sessions. This is a closed group, meaning individuals commence the program simultaneously and commit to it for the entire five sessions. Places are limited.
“I really appreciate discussing our feelings together. I appreciate our shared ‘brokenness’ and connections through art.” – Art therapy participant.
Welcoming Richard and Rosie as honorary life members
We held our Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 16 October. The meeting reflected the dedication of our team and the ongoing support we receive from the community.
A particular highlight was welcoming Richard and Rosie as honorary life members. Their contributions to road safety have been inspiring, and it's been an honour to work alongside them. We appreciate their involvement and ongoing, valuable input to Amber Community and the broader community. Thank you for your continuing dedication and support.
We also said farewell to Mark Musgrave, who retired from the Board after nine years of valuable service. His leadership and commitment have made a lasting impact, and we are grateful for his time with us.
Our 2024 Annual Report was presented, and we want to thank Alex Prestney, Lisa, Belinda, Byron, Bob, Gayle and Shaun for allowing us to share their stories in the report.
A special mention and thank you goes to Jeanette and Irene, who marked 30 years of volunteering with Amber Community.
This meeting was also a chance to acknowledge the incredible efforts of our volunteers, staff, board members, and stakeholders, all working together to promote safer roads.
Save the date!
Join Amber Community to Shine a Light on Road Safety in May 2025. In its 12th year, the annual Shine a Light on Road Safety Walk & Wheel will be held on Sunday 4 May 2025, at Albert Park Lake. Join us to help shine a light and make a difference in road safety.
Please mark the date on your calendar, and invite your friends, family, and canine buddies to join us for a 2km or 5km walk around Albert Park Lake. Stay for inspirational stories, coffee and connection with the community.
Stay tuned for more details and how you can help Shine Light on Road Safety for the entire month of May.
Welcome Adica Insurance as a new Premium Road Safety Partner
We’re excited to announce Adica Insurance as a Premium Road Safety Partner for the Shine a Light on Road Safety campaign! Adica Insurance joins us with a commitment to supporting community-focused initiatives that prioritise road safety, health, and wellbeing.
Adica Insurance is an Australian general insurance company focused on serving the Australian market in three key insurance sectors of retail motor, fleet motor, and commercial lines. Adica is part of the global MS&AD Insurance Group, headquartered in Japan, with a long history of excellence in automotive insurance. Adica underwrites motor vehicle insurance products for several major brands in Australia.
Dean Cullen, CEO of Adica Insurance; Bernadette Nugent, CEO of Amber Community; and Rita Hughes, Campaign and Donor Relationship Coordinator, Amber Community.
Adica Insurance is partnering with Amber Community for the next three years, becoming a key supporter of our Shine a Light on Road Safety campaign.
Jill Monk, Chief People Officer at Adica Insurance, shared: "I'm thrilled to be embarking on this partnership with Amber Community in which we can learn from and support each other in a common goal to reduce road trauma. As an automotive insurer, the issue of road safety is very close to our hearts."
We can't wait to see the positive impact of this partnership over the coming years - thank you, Adica Insurance, for joining us in shining a light on road safety.
New legal partnership with Arnold Dallas McPherson Injury Lawyers
Amber Community is excited to announce our new legal partnership with Arnold Dallas McPherson Injury Lawyers (ADM). ADM has come on board as Amber Community's sixth and final legal partner.
"Arnold Dallas McPherson are proud to be partnering with Amber Community. We passionately share the values of assisting and supporting victims and their families impacted by road trauma.
Just like Amber Community, ADM was founded in 1994 and for the past 30 years we have provided dedicated legal support and services for road trauma claims along with other personal injury compensation claims. Together with Amber Community we will continue to strive to provide essential support and advocacy, ensuring justice and empowerment for every individual we serve", said Lachlan Singe, Partner.
We warmly welcome their team and look forward to collaborating with them to support individuals impacted by road trauma. Amber Community's legal partnerships play a crucial role in providing support and guidance, as well as supporting the delivery of our annual Shine a Light on Road Safety campaign. We understand the significance of these partnerships in our mission.
Being involved in a motor vehicle accident can be overwhelming. From understanding eligibility to exploring the benefits available, the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) claims process might feel daunting - but you don’t have to go through it alone.
In our latest blog, we break down frequently asked questions about TAC claims in Victoria, including:
Who is eligible to lodge a claim?
What benefits are available?
Would you like legal representation, and how can No Win, No Fee lawyers help?
Special thanks to Henry Carus + Associates for sharing their expertise and insights to help make the TAC claims process clearer. Their team of specialised lawyers and our other legal partners are experienced in motor vehicle accident claims and committed to securing the best possible outcome for their clients.
Our group facilitators came together in October to reflect on the year and plan for 2025. We celebrated team successes, worked through challenges, and explored our roles in supporting those affected by road trauma.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to the discussions and shared ideas. Your input is paving the way for a more significant impact on road trauma.
Are you an experienced group facilitator?
Make a difference in road safety and join Amber Community in our mission to create positive change and enhance road safety across Victoria.
Amber Community has a range of locations requiring casual group facilitators.
Road incidents can leave you feeling lost and unsure about the future. Amber Community's Road Trauma Support Group offers a safe space to share your experience, understand trauma, and develop helpful coping strategies.
Facilitated by experienced counsellors, the group provides support to help you feel connected, understood, and empowered.
"Being part of the group gave me practical tools like sleep strategies and breathing exercises, and the comforting realisation that I'm not alone in my journey." – Group participant.
The program runs online throughout the year, with weekly 1.5-hour sessions over four weeks. Group sizes are small to ensure a supportive environment.
To learn more or register, visit our website or call 1300 367 797.
Please note: this group is designed for non-bereaved participants.
Amber Community is closed from 12 noon Tuesday 24 December 2024, and reopen 9am on Thursday 2 January 2025. For crisis support during this time, please get in touch with Lifeline13 11 14, Beyond Blue1300 224 636 or GriefLine1300 845 745.
Alternatively, please feel free to leave a message at 1300 367 797, and we will get back to you on our return.
Amber Community offers free information and counselling to people impacted by a road incident 1300 367 797 | www.ambercommunity.org.au
